Since the presidential election (and even more so since inauguration), there has been a lot of media attention on conservative, pronatalist rhetoric. Everything feels a bit scary and uncertain, especially if you’re trying to avoid getting pregnant. You might be concerned about whether you’ll still be able to get your monthly birth control and access abortion providers, if needed. We’re here to talk through information about birth control options for anyone worried about maintaining their reproductive autonomy during these uncertain times.

First, you should be aware of the Project 2025 plan to restrict access to contraceptives, abortion, and other kinds of reproductive healthcare 

That does not mean all of these measures will be enacted, and reproductive rights organizations are already gearing up to challenge these in court if and when restrictions are enacted (see our previous article for more information about how you can get involved with reproductive rights organizations!). But it’s helpful to know what changes might be taking place in the future. Our previous article explains these initiatives in more detail, but here is a brief summary. Project 2025 aims to:

• Eliminate access to mifepristone, a drug used in the majority of abortions performed in the US

• Withhold federal funds to force states to stop funding abortion care and other sexual health services and to force providers to stop providing abortions

• Threaten local prosecutors who refuse to enforce abortion restrictions

• Exempt abortion from the kinds of emergency care covered by EMTALA

• Increase national surveillance of pregnant people

• Restrict access to information previously published by the government regarding reproductive and sexual health, as well as information about your rights to access reproductive and sexual healthcare

Some activists have reported that important information has been (and is still being) removed from government web pages, including from the CDC website. It is unclear if these deletions are intended to be permanent. Activists are working hard to preserve information and publish it elsewhere. See cdcguidelines.com for CDC guidelines on birth control, sexual health, and health education, among other things. See reproductiverightsdotgov.com for information about your rights to reproductive and sexual healthcare.

It also might be smart to consider your options for long-term birth-control (like an IUD)

IUDs can last several years, but you can get them removed whenever you want, if you decide you want to get pregnant. You can find descriptions and comparisons of long-term birth control methods here. What method you prefer and what will work best for you depends on your health, lifestyle, and access to insurance coverage. You can find some information formerly available through the CDC webpage on the comparative safety of long-term birth control methods here. However, you should talk to your health provider about what method works best for you.

It is important to note that these contraceptive methods are not 100% effective and don’t protect against STI transmission. Many people using long-term birth control still use condoms for these reasons. Anyone who chooses to use condoms should be aware that, although they typically have a shelf-life of a few years, condoms do expire. It’s a good idea to check expiration dates before use and to store condoms as directed.

Some people who seek permanent birth control opt for tubal ligation, also known as “getting your tubed tied,” this is a surgical and permanent sterilization procedure. Like any birth control method and any surgery, tubal ligation has risks, and accessibility might depend on insurance coverage. Moreover, some women who have sought tubal ligation have reported difficulty in finding providers who will conduct the procedure. Affordability and the willingness of providers may pose a barrier to anyone considering tubal ligation.

It’s important to note that long-term birth control is not for everyone, and some people choose to use the pill or to rely on condoms for health, affordability, or other reasons. Synthetic condoms typically have a shelf-life of 3 to 5 years if stored properly, so they can be a reliable option for birth control. But some people may feel uncomfortable talking to their partner about condom use. You can find a guide from the American Sexual Health Association with some tips about how to have that conversation here.

It is worth noting that the morning after pill is legal and available in all 50 states. 

A morning after pill can be used after unprotected sex to prevent pregnancy. There are two popular kinds of morning-after pills, and they work differently. You can find more information about the differences in efficacy, how they work, potential risks and benefits, and where you can get them here. It is also worth mentioning that the morning after pills have a shelf-life of three or four years, depending on the type of pill.There are also other kinds of emergency contraception besides the morning-after pill. You can find more information about those options here. 

Some people have started stocking up on mifepristone, popularly known as the “abortion pill,” through telehealth or online providers. But there are important considerations to keep in mind before panicking about a potential future lack of access to mifepristone.

The state you live in is a big factor. Some states, including New York and California, are also stocking up on mifepristone and misoprostol, another medication commonly used in medication abortions. These states are committed to keeping abortion accessible for their residents. On a similar note, some states, including Colorado, Nevada, Maryland, and Montana, have codified abortion access, so residents in these states have less reason to worry about accessibility.

As with any medication, anyone using mifepristone should obtain it from a trusted source: a prescribing medical professional or a certified pharmacy with a prescription. Some online mail-order pharmacies are certified to dispense mifepristone. Mifepristone expires after about five years.

Finally, there are accessible options to consider for securing access to birth control in the future. As mentioned above, some long-acting contraceptives last for several years. And depending on the state you live in and your insurance coverage, you may be able to obtain an extended supply, or about a year’s worth, of contraception in the form of the birth control pill, patch, or ring.

There are online resources available that can help you keep track of ongoing legal battles regarding access to abortion and contraception, like this case tracker. Right now, FDA-approved birth control methods, including emergency contraception, are legal in all 50 states. Federal and state legal battles are focused on surgical abortion and mifepristone restrictions.

Although Planned Parenthood has closed clinics recently, the organization is still a major provider of reproductive health services. You can use their search tool to find out if there is a clinic near you.

Under the Project 2025 plan, the availability of services through Planned Parenthood might be put at risk by future funding restrictions. However, there are other low-cost options, like community clinics and Title X providers, that can provide reproductive and sexual health services like pap smears, STI testing, and mammograms. If you have insurance, you can use your insurer’s search tool to find providers who take your insurance.

Consider searching in your area for reproductive and sexual health clinics so you know where they are if and when you need them. As of now, you can use this HHS search tool to find clinics near you, including Planned Parenthood clinics. Your state may also have a similar search tool (for example, here is New Jersey’s search tool).

Anyone who experiences an unwanted pregnancy will need to refer to the laws of their state to determine what their options are

Because many abortion bans and restrictions are still being contested, and because travel bans are being proposed and contested at both the state and local government (county and city) levels, the landscape of abortion access is changing rapidly. You can use an online tool like this one to keep track of the current restrictions that are in effect or being challenged in your state, including associated penalties for breaking those laws. You can find more information about travel bans here and here. However, at the end of the day, consulting an attorney licensed to practice in your state is the only way to get accurate legal advice about your options.

It can feel overwhelming trying to determine what your options are and how to make choices that are best for you. But there are resources and information available to help you do that, and staying informed can help you retain some sense of control over your reproductive life. You can also consider joining the fight to protect reproductive rights, which we discussed in a previous article. Finally, here are some amazing national organizations that are worth checking out for more information about ongoing legal disputes and efforts to protect reproductive rights:

• All Above All

• Center for Reproductive Rights

• Reproductive Freedom for All (formerly NARAL Pro Choice America)

• You can find a more comprehensive list of other reproductive rights organizations here.

Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to be either medical or legal advice. It does not constitute and is not a substitute for either medical or legal advice. Before making any decisions about contraception or reproductive health, you should consult a medical professional. Anyone with legal questions should consult an attorney licensed to practice in their state. Information presented here may not constitute the most up-to-date legal or other information.